Most UK airlines allow a cabin bag of about 55–56cm tall, but the width, depth and weight limits vary more than you might think, and the depth is where most suitcases fail. Here are the current hand luggage limits for the airlines UK travellers fly most, and which of our cabin bags fit each one.
Cabin bag size limits by airline
All sizes include wheels and handles. "Under-seat bag" is the small personal item (a handbag, laptop bag or small backpack) that goes under the seat in front of you.
| Airline | Cabin bag | Weight | Under-seat bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways | 56 × 45 × 25cm | 23kg | 40 × 30 × 15cm |
| easyJet (large cabin bag)* | 56 × 45 × 25cm | 15kg | 45 × 36 × 20cm |
| Jet2 | 56 × 45 × 25cm | 10kg | 40 × 30 × 15cm |
| Virgin Atlantic | 56 × 36 × 23cm | 10kg | 40 × 30 × 15cm |
| TUI | 55 × 40 × 20cm | 10kg | 40 × 30 × 20cm |
| Ryanair (Priority)* | 55 × 40 × 20cm | 10kg | Included |
*easyJet's large cabin bag and Ryanair's 10kg cabin bag usually cost extra unless your fare or membership includes them. Upper Class passengers on Virgin Atlantic can take two cabin bags. Limits correct as of October 2026; airlines change their rules, so always check yours before you fly.
The two sizes that matter: 56 × 45 × 25cm and 55 × 40 × 20cm
Most of the limits above fall into two groups. British Airways, easyJet's large cabin bag and Jet2 allow 56 × 45 × 25cm, which fits most standard 55cm cabin suitcases. TUI and Ryanair allow 55 × 40 × 20cm, and that 20cm depth rules out many hard shell cases. Virgin Atlantic sits in between: tall enough, but only 36cm wide and 23cm deep.
If you fly a mix of airlines, buy for the strictest one you use regularly.
Which of our cabin bags fit?
| Bag | Size and weight | Fits the cabin bag limits of |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-On (hard shell) | 55 × 37 × 23.5cm, 4.4kg | British Airways, easyJet (large cabin bag), Jet2 |
| Leather Carry-On | 47 × 35 × 19cm, 4kg | British Airways, easyJet (large cabin bag), Jet2, Virgin Atlantic, TUI, Ryanair (Priority) |
| Weekender | 48 × 29 × 23cm, 2kg | British Airways, easyJet (large cabin bag), Jet2, Virgin Atlantic |
| Wheeled Weekender | 56 × 30 × 25cm, 3kg | British Airways, easyJet (large cabin bag), Jet2 |
Our hard shell Carry-On is built around the 56 × 45 × 25cm allowance: 44 litres, a polycarbonate shell and a zip-free aluminium frame. If you regularly fly TUI, Ryanair or Virgin Atlantic, the Leather Carry-On is the one to choose, as its 19cm depth fits every airline in the table.
Don't forget your under-seat bag
Most airlines let you take a laptop bag on board as well as your cabin bag. Our slim zip-top briefcase measures 39.5 × 29 × 7cm, inside the 40 × 30 × 15cm under-seat limit used by British Airways, Jet2 and Virgin Atlantic. It also has a back strap that slides over your suitcase handle, so the two travel as one. See all our laptop briefcases.
Five tips for getting through the gate
- Measure the whole bag. Airline limits include wheels, handles and anything sticking out. The listed size of a suitcase should include them, but check.
- Watch the weight, not just the size. On a 10kg allowance, a 4.4kg suitcase leaves 5.6kg for your packing, so a lighter case gives you more room for clothes.
- Soft bags can squash; hard shells can't. A holdall packed loosely can sometimes squeeze into a tight sizer, but a hard shell suitcase is the size it is.
- Pack the essentials in your under-seat bag. On a busy flight your cabin bag may be put in the hold at the gate, so keep medication, valuables and chargers with you.
- Check before every trip. Allowances depend on the route, the fare and sometimes the aircraft, and airlines update them regularly.
Find your cabin bag
Browse all our cabin luggage, or if you're travelling for longer, see our check-in suitcases and the 3 Piece Luggage Set, which costs 20% less than buying the three cases separately. Every UK order comes with free returns, so you can check the fit at home.
